DIY Wax Seal

Though we live in an age where life seems unfathomableΒ without the existence of email (or internet – GASP), you must admit finding a letter or invite in your mailbox is always a momentous and welcoming occasion. Familiar with that sweet feeling that comes along with receiving a handwritten note, I’m making an early 2013 resolution to send more thank you’s, miss you’s, and just because’s through the postal service. I’ve also recently perfected the art of wax seals as part of this newfound effort! It’s all about the little details, right?

You’ll need:

Start by lighting a candle. Hold the stick of wax about half an inch above the flame. When melting wax, it’s very important not to touch the wax to the flame as it will start to burn and smoke. Allow the heat of the flame to melt the wax, not the flame itself. Watch the tip carefully as it starts to melt. As soon as it wants to drip, rotate the stick quickly – don’t worry if some wax drips into the candle. Just continue rotating for a full minute or until the end of the wax stick looks completely melted and soft.

Quickly apply the melted wax to the back of the envelope. Remove the stick and press the seal directly on top of the wax for a few seconds.

Carefully remove the seal and allow to dry completely before touching it. Tip: Traditional wax dries brittle. If you plan on mailing the letter, have it postmarked by hand at the post office and not run through a postmarking machine.Β 

Glue gun sealing wax is a flexible wax and although it doesn’t have the same organic look to traditional sealing wax, it’s a much faster and mess-free way to seal. Simply insert the sealing wax tube into a large glue gun. Allow it to heat up completely and squeeze out a dollop of wax onto an envelope.

Press the seal directly on top of the wax for a few seconds. Remove it to reveal the seal! Tip: When using a glue gun, make sure it’s dedicated to only wax and not mixed with glue. This is a great type of wax to use if you’re sealing multiple envelopes.Β 

It’s as easy and simple as that. Imagine how special your friends will feel when they receive a hand sealed envelope in the mail from yours truly!

(tutorial adapted from Castle In The Air; images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

94 Comments

  1. elisa wrote:

    This is both completely useless and so pretty. I love it.

    Elisa – Wandering Minds
    ourwanderingminds.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  2. Love it!!!

    Miami in http://cravingforbarneys.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  3. Candy wrote:

    This DIY is perfect for upcoming holiday cards. U guys are the best!

    xoxo
    Candy
    taylor & DEMOLISH

    11.6.12
    Reply
  4. love it!!! IΒ΄ve always wanted to do that!! πŸ™‚ xo, Alma
    http://www.soulofashopper.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  5. I love it!!! this DIY is very original!!!

    http://www.thestelstyle.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  6. Erika wrote:

    Amazing. I would be especially pleased if I received a letter with a stamp like that on it.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  7. This for this shoutout to wax seals! I love the look. I made my own wedding invites and used wax seals. The envelopes were chocolate brown with a rusty gold seal and it turned out beautifully. It was so simple, too!

    http://awalkinthecloset.blogspot.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  8. Tabetha wrote:

    I used wax seals for our wedding too! Love the little touch of class & history~*

    http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/

    11.6.12
    Reply
  9. Andrea wrote:

    Love it!! What a cute idea!!
    xo Andrea
    Wonderful and Marvelous

    11.6.12
    Reply
  10. rachael wrote:

    ooh i love the elephant one! they’re all so classy.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  11. angelessya wrote:

    Love the Idea for invitation cards… Looks really cool!
    http://fashionamimanera.blogspot.com/

    11.6.12
    Reply
  12. Nicole wrote:

    wonderful! Love it!

    11.6.12
    Reply
  13. Nadja wrote:

    elisa is right, this si so useless, but damn pretty! i really think its about the little things. love it!

    http://www.violetfleur.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  14. Perfect for the Holidays!!! xo

    11.6.12
    Reply
  15. beautiful DIY!!!
    πŸ™‚

    DIY and more:
    http://diyearte.blogspot.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  16. Ambyr wrote:

    Oooh this is so fun. That white wax seal on the black envelope is so gorgeous. Chic!

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  17. Corey wrote:

    My mom has a wax seal kit in her secretary desk and she uses it whenever she corresponds with friends.; it’s such a classy attribute to a letter.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  18. I do it with a glue gun… we did this for our Christmas cards last yr – so fun!

    11.6.12
    Reply
  19. Evylin wrote:

    Nossa que legal, amei!!!

    beeijos, Evylin

    http://www.pitadadecriatividade.blogspot.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  20. Luana wrote:

    Nice!

    I’m posting accessories from Los Angeles on my blog!
    Take a look!

    http://www.thegavlaks.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  21. i’m all for slow or at the least slower living, and this could be part of it.
    beautiful!

    xoxo
    agnes

    http://iiiinspired.blogspot.com/
    http://agnesszucs.blogspot.com/

    11.6.12
    Reply
  22. esther wrote:

    These are lovely! Love the navy-colored wax!

    For anyone out there that wants to try their hand at making their own seal, instead of buying one, I’ve got a tutorial on my blog: http://whollykao.com/2012/10/11/make-your-own-wax-seal/

    11.6.12
    Reply
  23. Iren wrote:

    Looks very cool;))))))

    xoxo Iren
    Visit my blog:
    Living In A Kitten’s World

    11.6.12
    Reply
  24. Fevi wrote:

    OMG! You Girls Always Rock Those DIY’s

    11.6.12
    Reply
  25. Charlotte wrote:

    Looks great! Definitely going to try it out for invitations next time!

    Charlotte
    http://www.deconstrut.blogspot.ca

    11.6.12
    Reply
  26. Alice wrote:

    Just tried this with a gold candle…very cool!

    Please take a look at my latest drawing, inspired by a great photographer!:

    http://aliceauxpaysenchantes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/a-sketch-from-vivian-maiers-photography.html

    11.6.12
    Reply
  27. ivy wrote:
    11.6.12
    Reply
  28. Kait wrote:

    It’s so true! I get so excited upon receiving that rare piece of snail mail! It’s on my to do list to create some fun stationary so this’ll be the piece that brings it all together. Perfect for the coming holidays!

    http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  29. Liva wrote:

    LOVE THE IDEA SO AWESOME!!!!!

    11.6.12
    Reply
  30. Kennedi K wrote:

    Those are gorgeous. I feel like letters are an elegant, simple, and heart-felt alternative to boring e-mails.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  31. So glad to find this tutorial as I’ve renewed correspondence (with old fashioned real paper mail) recently. It’s interesting to see the hot sealing wax gun – wasn’t aware they existed. Nice invention. Great post.

    I agree with you, receiving a letter is a wonderful thing. Seeing real handwriting, feeling real paper, the excitement of opening the envelope, even seeing the stamp someone chooses… all very charming.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  32. marilena wrote:

    such a lovely idea!beautiful the black envelope!http://msfashionstreet.blogspot.com/

    11.6.12
    Reply
  33. Liz wrote:

    I love wax seals!

    http://lavieenliz.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  34. Chocosoue wrote:

    I am a little bit disappointed , in fact when i read DIY , i thaught : ” aw something awsome and hand made !!! ” but i can see that every ” needed ” thing is actually already made for that , and sold pretty much every where , but it’s nice to remember those little details that make every thing look so different πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

    11.6.12
    Reply
  35. irene wrote:

    cool idea. πŸ™‚
    Irene Wibowo

    11.6.12
    Reply
  36. Nasyitah wrote:

    Really pretty stuff πŸ™‚ Was hoping that it’ll be something that I can improvise with what I already have at home without getting more supplies. Still, I am really tempted.

    11.6.12
    Reply
  37. Snap It Up wrote:

    Beautiful! I want to do this for my Christmas card envelopes, http://www.facebook.com/SnapItUpJewelry

    11.6.12
    Reply
  38. Rachel wrote:

    I have the same resolution myself. I want to teach my daughters the art of a well written letter. And sealing the deal with a wax stamping like this is perfect. Thanks for sharing.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

    11.6.12
    Reply
  39. Cameron wrote:

    Was gifted a brass seal with the “tree of life” a few years ago and have used it as an excuse to be penpals with friends who have moved across the country. It’s so much fun and takes me back to a simpler time… though more often than not the news is old by the time they receive it. #totallyworthit

    11.6.12
    Reply
  40. Nkauj wrote:

    I love this!

    11.6.12
    Reply
  41. cathy wrote:

    Haha, this makes me want to write up some letters and make a cool wax seal!
    .
    check out my last fall-inspired outfit:
    http://onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com/2012/10/an-olive-autumn.html
    .
    check out my post on falls favorite trend: orange!
    http://onceuponasprinkle.blogspot.com/2012/11/colors-of-autumn-orange.html

    11.6.12
    Reply
  42. Lisa wrote:

    I love it! I’m associating this with Harry Potter haha πŸ™‚
    Xoxo
    http://www.thisgirlneversleeps.blogspot.com

    11.7.12
    Reply
  43. Love that seals… I have to note this on my list of to-diy stuff.

    11.7.12
    Reply
  44. Miruku wrote:

    I live in Japan where we still have to use (non-wax) seals and stamps for everything. It really takes the fun out of it!

    11.7.12
    Reply
  45. Love them! They are perfect and a funny way to customise one’s letters and papers!!!

    9lla.it
    fashion – beauty – DIYs

    11.7.12
    Reply
  46. Monica wrote:

    OH MY GOD, I love this sooo soo much! thanks for showing us how to do it! I cant wait to try, this is so exciting! haha, I have been anticipating to do this for so long!

    11.8.12
    Reply
  47. shella wrote:

    yesss Monica Romensky^, this is fabulous!

    11.8.12
    Reply
  48. Warren wrote:

    Wow, what a great idea! I have to try this out! Where do I get the wax?

    11.8.12
    Reply
    • Erica wrote:

      @Warren, you can beautiful traditional wax and glue gun wax here. Links are also above, in the supply list.

      11.8.12
  49. Monica R wrote:

    P.S.
    Check out my blog please!!
    and yes Shella, I knew you would love this!

    11.8.12
    Reply
  50. Emily wrote:

    Best DIY

    11.8.12
    Reply
  51. cocoroco wrote:

    cooool. this is a great idea for holiday cards, maybe ill do this for all my family holiday cards

    11.8.12
    Reply
  52. aini wrote:

    even though i don’t know how am i going to make them useful, this is very classy and cute! πŸ™‚

    11.10.12
    Reply
  53. Sanne wrote:

    Such a great idea for some chique dinner invitations for your best friends / family!

    11.11.12
    Reply
  54. Charlotte wrote:

    I’m so making a mural of these.

    11.12.12
    Reply
  55. Katie wrote:
    11.12.12
    Reply
  56. Katie wrote:

    Amazing:)

    11.12.12
    Reply
  57. C wrote:

    The DIY with the glue gun is interesting. But, the seal has been around forever.

    11.15.12
    Reply
  58. Ashley wrote:

    This is absolutely gorgeous and classy. I always make my own Christmas cards and Thank you notes. It will definitely add a nice finishing touch to them. Thanks for reminding us of this wonderful technique!

    11.17.12
    Reply
  59. Ashley wrote:

    Side note for fellow sealers…
    First initial if it is a love letter or to other family members.
    Last initital if it is a business letter.
    Both (if you can find a seal with both first and last) for all other documents.
    Happy Sealing!

    11.17.12
    Reply
  60. Athena wrote:

    This is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever stumbled upon! : ) It seems like everyone’s suddenly forgotten the art of the human hand. I recently asked one of the kids in Grade 4 and asked him “what are hands for” and he replied “computers!” Good heavens. LOL. Will definitely send out more letters. Good excuse to get off the computer for once. : )

    1.2.13
    Reply
  61. Youseph wrote:

    I have to ask. Now that it has been a little bit of time since this DIY have been written. Do you have any updates or suggestions or experience tips to add to this post?

    1.13.13
    Reply
  62. Kelly wrote:

    I love this so much ! will definitely try it out.
    Hope I wasn’t the only one reminded of Harry Potter !

    1.21.13
    Reply
  63. Clythe wrote:

    I am 80 yo now but 50 years ago when I opened my first Gallery/Studio for my designs I sent out invitations hand written on parchment folded over and sealed with shocking pink wax stamped with my initials ! Every one loved it and were quite surprised but complimented me on reusing such a charming old custom.

    1.22.13
    Reply
  64. areli wrote:

    I wish i had one of HOGWARTS

    2.13.13
    Reply
  65. Deliga wrote:

    This really isn’t a DIY. A DIY would give you tips and instructions on making your own wax seal, instead of just buying one. A DIY would give you ideas for using materials other than expensive sealing wax.

    This really isn’t anything more than an advertisement for the linked stamps and wax.

    9.6.13
    Reply
  66. Susie wrote:

    Sorry, but finding this post in a search for DIY WAX is disappointing & annoying. This is not a DIY project.

    9.9.13
    Reply
  67. Jackie wrote:

    thought you might be interested in this lovely pendant I found, a solid silver wax seal pendant in the UK
    http://www.mypersonaljewellery.co.uk/wax-seal-pendants/
    Jackie

    9.17.13
    Reply
  68. Pauline wrote:

    Hii! I love your post! I’ve been wax sealing with a candle, and my flame isn’t hot enough because it sort of just sits in a pool of melted candle wax and is constantly on the verge of going out. My candle is brand new–from the dollar store. Is this a problem for you as well, or should I invest in a better candle? (Sidenote: Are there even particularities to finding the right sort of candle for melting sealing wax? It shouldn’t be this complicated, right?)

    11.5.13
    Reply
  69. Sarah wrote:

    I LOVE this tutorial – thanks! I have had the wax stick and seal for a long time but because I was constantly burning the wax, I put it away ages ago. Time to pull it out again. Word of caution, though, if you plan on mailing instead of hand-delivering these beauties, my USPS rep told me that they charge extra for hand-cancelling.

    11.7.13
    Reply
  70. Sm@sh wrote:

    How is this a D.I.Y. project? These are all store bought materials from the Michaels wedding section, that come with instructions. Why wouldn’t you give a tutorial on making our own coloured wax (melting crayons?), or how to punch our own initial/crest stamp out of aluminum or carved wood? Wouldn’t that be more helpful to the folks on a budget or further away from fancy supply stores? Just a thought.

    1.2.14
    Reply
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  73. Lucy wrote:

    Dear manager,

    Nice day!

    From your website I know your company deal in sealing wax product .We’re a candle manufacturer from China and sealing wax product is our mainly product.

    If you have any need,pls contact me without hesitate.Best price and Sample all can provide for you.
    (kindly pls transfer this letter to purchase manager,thanks in advance!)
    Awaiting for your news.

    Yours Sincerely,
    Lucy


    Shijiazhuang Tabo candles sales Co.,Ltd
    Add:Youyi street,shijiazhuang,hebei province
    Tel:86 311-67909825
    Fax:86 311-67909064
    e-mail:lucy@tbcandle.com
    Skype anna19911433
    Whatsapp 15833921497
    web:www.wax-candle.com

    3.31.16
    Reply
  74. nancy wrote:

    Hi sir,

    This is nancy. we are stamp and blank wax seal manufacturer in China.

    for new products, pls check our website: http://www.dhgate.com/store/20130019#st-navigation-storehome thank you.

    http://jinyuanyz.en.alibaba.com/

    Best Regards
    Nancy
    JIN YUAN SEALING CO.,LTD
    Tel: 86-13921529600
    Skype: LHYxy58
    whatsnap: +8613921529600

    12.24.16
    Reply
  75. Jan wrote:

    I absolutely love the color of the wax you used. Thank you for showing me Abraxas wax. Also digging the square seal, very tasteful.

    6.12.17
    Reply
  76. Aneesh wrote:

    all the the links lead to the same website.. and nothing?

    7.15.19
    Reply
  77. MARMARINA wrote:

    I love it!!

    12.22.21
    Reply
  78. Bounde wrote:

    Absolutely adore the wax seal stamps you have used here, and the slightly organic shape of the wax seals is perfection!

    8.4.23
    Reply